A groundbreaking study by Iranian researchers has demonstrated the potential of cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles as a promising chemotherapeutic agent against invasive cancer cells, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment. This research highlights the use of a novel, natural capping agent—Rosa Damascena extract—in the synthesis of these nanoparticles, offering a sustainable, efficient, and non-toxic method for their production.

The research team employed a simple and rapid technique known as sono-synthesis to create sponge-like nanostructures of cerium dioxide, a compound known for its varied applications in medicine, electronics, and energy. The cerium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized in this study displayed impressive purity, desirable crystallinity, and a cubic crystal structure, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

One of the key advantages of these nanoparticles is their pH-dependent functionality, a critical factor in cancer treatment. Due to the differences in pH levels between cancerous tissues and healthy cells, cerium dioxide nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells without harming surrounding healthy tissues.

Cerium dioxide’s cancel cell killing ability is aided by the high acidity of the cell’s environment. Whereas, healthy cells, which have a more neutral pH, remain largely unaffected. This selective targeting is crucial to reduce the collateral damage typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.

The study's results demonstrated a strong dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles on two cancer cell lines—T98 (glioma) and SHSY5Y (neuroblastoma). The nanoparticles exhibited a significant reduction in cell viability, indicating their potential as a potent anticancer agent. This was particularly evident in the T98 cell line, where the cerium dioxide nanoparticles effectively inhibited cancer cell growth, leading to their eventual destruction.

An essential aspect of this study is the involvement of secondary metabolites from Rosa Damascena extract in the green synthesis of the nanoparticles. These plant-derived compounds likely contribute to the enhanced cytotoxic effects observed in the cancer cell lines, as they possess bioactive properties that support the anti-cancer activity of the nanoparticles.

While the in vitro results are promising, the researchers acknowledge that further pharmacological investigation is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of cerium dioxide nanoparticles. However, these early findings suggest that CeO2 nanoparticles could become a valuable addition to cancer therapy, offering a more targeted, less toxic alternative to traditional treatments.

This research was done at the Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran. It was carried on under the guidance of Mahnaz Amiri and Meysam Ahmadi-Zeidabadi and aided by Sahar Zinatloo-Ajabshir from the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bonab, Iran and Fariborz Sharifianjazi from Center for Advanced Materials and Structures, School of Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, USA.